Python Tools for Visual Studio Installation

2) PTVS extension (this gives VS Python support)

3) A Python interpreter and Python Libraries (these are *not* bundled with PTVS)

A complete and perpetually FREE Python IDE

Starting with 2.1 Beta and VS 2013, you can install PTVS into Express for Web and
Express for Desktop editions! The result is a powerful Python IDE that doesn’t cost anything. The Express for Web edition is focused on Web development, while the Express for Desktop includes C++, etc.

Python Package Installation Options

What makes Python awesome is the breath/depth of freely available packages. For a taste, browse through
PyPI, or
SciPy.org’s Topical Software. You can install Python packages individually or via a full “Distro”. Installing individual packages allows you to tailor your environment with a smaller footprint. Distro’s on the other hand come with 100+
packages that have been pre-built and well tested together. We recommend installing a Distro.

1. Installing a full “Distro” [Recommended]

There are several Python Distros available. Each one has free and paid versions, as well as 32/64 editions. You should select one that matches your interpreter’s bit-ness:

Note: after installing a Distro, it’ll take a few minutes before Intellisense is available for all packages.

2. Installing packages individually

Here are some recommended packages. Generally you want to download the latest version that matches your Python interpreter and its bit-ness. You can install these from their websites, from PyPI, or directly from Professor Chistoph Gohlke’s Python/Windows
page:

Starting with PTVS 2.0Beta, you can install packages directly from within PTVS. You can also install packages from outside VS and they’ll show up in the list of installed packages for that Interpreter.